canflyboy

I have enough spare road bike parts to build a flat bar fitness/commuter bike. What I need are shifters and brakes and I don't know much about these. I need a 9 speed for the rear and notice I can set myself up two ways. One is with a combination shifter and brake, the other is a separate shifter pod and separate brake. What are the advantages of either?

Thanks

Canflyboy

Grimlock

Getting separates will let you set things up best for your hands and will let you customize the build to your budget.

Shimano Deore shifters are cheap, available and decent quality for the money. I'm partial to Avid brake levers for this application- just make sure to get a set that are compatible with a caliper/canti brake and not a V-brake version.

canflyboy

Thanks Grimlock for the "heads up" on the compatilility issue. I never new there was a difference.

Grimlock

https://sheldonbrown.com/cantilever-adjustment.html

Scroll down to the bottom where it describes "lever compatibility". I'm currently running v-brake levers to Tiagra calipers on a junky SS because both parts were what I had around. The lever is crisp but it does take a whole lot of strength to get some decent stopping power.